Trip Times: Typical morning trip time is 9:00. Typical afternoon trip time is 2:00. We are  small, guest-oriented company so if you have special timing needs please don't hesitate to call. We will do what we can to make your trip happen. (we often start morning trips a little later in the early spring and late fall to get the most heat out of the day)

Reservations are highly recommended for all whitewater rafting and scenic float trips. Walk-ins are welcome if there is space available.

Why go whitewater rafting in North Carolina:

There is just something about getting in your boat and pushing off shore. The exhilarating sense that you are off on a whitewater rafting adventure. When you go whitewater rafting in North Carolina you are cutting bonds to the every-day and the predictable, and for a short time you are back in the natural world with your co-travelers. Floating and paddling down one of the most ancient rivers on the planet and forging lasting bonds of friendship and camaraderie with your fellow travelers. Plus, it's a lot of fun. And some of the best whitewater rafting trips  anywhere are right here in North Carolina. Rafting in North Carolina has the added benefit of a long, warm rafting season, beautiful scenery, and amazing history. Another advantage to rafting in with us is the proximity to several large population centers. Only twenty minutes from Asheville, NC, whitewater rafting on French Broad River in North Carolina still has the flavor of wilderness and adventure. 

Description of trips:

Half day trip: 

This North Carolina whitewater rafting trip begins at Barnard N.C. and finishes at Stackhouse N.C. The rapids in this section of the French Broad River are class I-III. Including Big Pillow Rapid, Sandy Bottom Rapid and The Ledges Rapid. This is a great whitewater rafting section of river for both first timers and folks who have been whitewater rafting before. Typical time on the river is 1 1/2 to 2 hours. A couple of factors that effect the time on the river are the size of the trip and the level of the river. A small trip at high water will move faster down stream then a larger trip at lower levels. Add an hour of getting ready and transportation before putting on the river, and an hour of transportation, changing clothes, photo show, etc after taking off the river for a total trip time of 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Please keep in mind that this time frame is an approximation based on our 20+ years of experience on this river. Please let us know if you are under any time constraints. $44.00 per person Make a reservation

Half day with lunch:

This rafting trip travels the same section of the French Broad River as above. The pace for the lunch trip allows more time on the river and includes a stop along the way for lunch. The lunch is deli style and is served riverside. The time frame for this trip is the same as the half day trip. Add about an hour (depends on trip size) for lunch and a more leisurely pace. $52.00 per person Make a reservation

Fresh Picnic Lunch served Riverside! What could be better?

Both the Half Day with Lunch and our Full Day Trips take time out from paddling to enjoy a tasty, fresh, deli-style lunch.  The ambiance of the surrounding  scenery makes this lunch stop extra special!

We provide a variety of fixings, so you can create your perfect sandwich. Turkey, ham, hummus, two types of cheeses, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, mustard and mayo, whole wheat bread, pickles, fresh carrots and oranges, trail mix, cookies and chips. And, of course, peanut butter and jelly.

The river is a special place. It does us good to slow down, sit on the rock, and be a part of our environment, even if only for a little while. We’ve made a conscious choice to minimize our impact, and enjoy the open air, and be part of the scenery.

Full day trip:

This rafting starts a Barnard and finishes 8 miles downstream in Hot Springs N.C. This is one of the best whitewater rafting trips in North Carolina and gives you a chance to spend a big part of your day on the French Broad River. There is a stop for a deli style lunch, served riverside. This section of the French Broad River includes some very beautiful scenery and the spectacular class IV Frank Bell's rapid. Time on the river for the full day trip can range from 3-5 hours depending on the size of the trip and the river level. There will be an hour of instruction, gear fitting, and transportation before putting on the river, and an hour of transportation, changing into dry clothes, photo show, etc. after taking off the river. This adds up to a total trip time of between 5-7 hours. Please keep in mind that this time frame is an approximation based on our 20+ years of experience on this river. Please let us know if you are under any time constraints. Also, please be aware that summer-time river levels may make it necessary to alter this trip and make it a half-day with lunch trip. If you reserve a full day trip and we have to change it to a half-day with lunch trip, you will be refunded the price difference. Please call if you have any questions.

$66.00 per person Make a reservation     

Float Trip: 

Rafting in North Carolina does not necessarily mean only whitewater rafting. Some of North Carolina's best rafting is just the classic, lazy float trip. Watching for birds, the play and warmth of sun and shadow, a cooling dip into an ancient river. This trip floats through a  beautiful section of the French Broad River valley. The rapids are small and there are plenty of places to swim. This is a North Carolina rafting trip that is good for those who are too young for the whitewater rafting sections of the French Broad River or who are just looking for a mellow scenic North Carolina river experience. $44.00 per person.     Please call for reservations.

Understanding Classes of Rivers in North Carolina

Class I Rapids: Beginner
Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training.

Class II Rapids: Novice
Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class II+”.

Class III: Intermediate
Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or “Class III+” respectively.

Class IV: Advanced
Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+” respectively.

Class 5: Expert
Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids
These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.x rating. 

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When it comes to Whitewater rafting North Carolina, Blue Heron Whitewater delivers.